#China #Beijing #biotechnology #Qi Biodesign #genome editing

Qi Biodesign Achieves Major Funding Milestone

Qi Biodesign, a frontier biotechnology firm specializing in cutting-edge genome editing technologies, has announced a significant funding achievement. The company recently completed its Series A funding round, successfully raising $75 million. This funding will further empower their research and development (R&D) efforts and expedite the commercialization processes for their innovative solutions in crop breeding and synthetic biology.

Founded in 2021, Qi Biodesign is spearheaded by renowned scientists Dr. Caixia Gao, who has been at the forefront of genome editing research, and Dr. Kevin Zhao, the firm's Chief Technology Officer. Alongside industry veterans such as Dr. Bei Zhang, the Chief Executive Officer, and Haiquan Yang, the Chief Business Officer, Qi Biodesign is strategically positioned to lead in genomic innovation.

The recent funding round was primarily spearheaded by the Beijing Medical and Health Care Industry Investment Fund, along with participation from various other investors, including Beijing Changping Technology Innodevelop Group and Mingzhe Capital, among others.

Qi Biodesign has demonstrated a robust commitment to advancing the field of genomic sciences through its proprietary SEEDIT™ research platform. The platform features ground-breaking genome editing technologies, such as RNA-guided nucleases, base editors, and novel PrimeRoot™ editors. These innovations have established Qi Biodesign as a leader in facilitating precise gene manipulation, which is vital in developing superior agricultural traits.

One of the company's remarkable achievements includes obtaining biosafety certifications from the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs of China for gene-edited plants, including high oleic acid soybeans and powdery mildew-resistant wheat. Furthermore, they also secured an exemption from the U.S. Department of Agriculture for their high oleic acid soybean, marking a significant victory in the regulatory landscape.

As Qi Biodesign progresses with several gene-edited traits aimed at improving crop yields and pest resistance, the newly acquired funding will be instrumental in advancing their SEEDIT™ platform and amplifying their product development initiatives. In addition, it will help design and enhance commercialization strategies to effectively transition groundbreaking research findings into market-ready products.

This robust influx of capital places Qi Biodesign in a prime position to tackle some of the most pressing challenges in agriculture today, especially regarding food security and sustainability. By fostering innovations in plant breeding via advanced gene editing technologies, Qi Biodesign aspires to contribute significantly to sustainable developments and the assurance of future food supplies.

With an eye on the future, the leadership at Qi Biodesign continues to focus on advancing the applications of gene editing, creating pathways to enhance agricultural efficiency and ecological sustainability, essential factors in a rapidly changing global landscape.

For more detailed insights or inquiries, you can visit Qi Biodesign's website.